Device for generating electrical signal corresponding to change in position or posture

ABSTRACT

[Problem] To provide a compact device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change in position or posture, which can be used in such as posture control of a ship, a motor vehicle, aircraft, or the like, and detection of action or posture of various parts of a human body.  
     [Means for Resolution] A device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture includes: a container which is formed of an electrical insulating material and is fixed to an electrode holder formed of an electrical insulating material and in which a fluid dielectric is sealed with a volume ratio sufficient to have an angle of inclination with respect to a free surface of the fluid dielectric; a plurality of pairs of peripheral electrodes disposed at positions which are symmetrical about a central point of a cross section of the container at a predetermined interval with an inner peripheral surface of the container; and a pair of counter electrodes which are electrically insulated from each other and are respectively disposed at an upper surface of the electrode holder which serves as a bottom of the container and at a lower surface of a ceiling of the container at the central point of the cross section of the container, a voltage being applied to the pair of counter electrodes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a device for generating electricalsignal corresponding to a change in position or posture which can beused for detection of diastrophism, posture control of a ship, anaircraft, a motor vehicle, or the like, and detection of the action orposture of various parts of a human body. Further, it can be also usedfor the track-levels, which might be used in the fields of amanipulator, architecture, or civil engineering, the rocking controlsystem for a mega-float or artificial floating structures, a steeltower, utility poles, a bridge beam, or the like.

BACKGROUND ART

As means for detecting a change in the posture (inclination) of a ship,which is used for posture control of a ship, an electrical signalgenerator is disclosed in JP-A-11-118412, for example. A fluiddielectric of which volume is set to a predetermined ratio to the volumeof a container is filled in the container, and at least a pair ofelectrodes having predetermined flat surfaces are immersed in this fluiddielectric in advance. Difference of the surface area being immersed inthe fluid dielectric occurs between said pair of the electrodes incorrespondence with the magnitude of the inclination of the container.This surface area difference causes so-called developing electrostaticcapacity, whereby the voltage signal corresponding thereto can beobtained by connecting electrically said developing electrostaticcapacity to the resistance

The above-described conventional art has been frequently applied to thelimited usage of the posture measurement under specific experimentalenvironment or of a static positional measuring type. In this sense,measurement becomes extremely difficult with respect to an object whoseinclination direction changes over the time. In addition, theabove-described conventional device has a problem in that its structurebecomes complex, which increases the manufacturing cost. Therefore, anobject of the invention is to provide a device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in position or posture witha simple structure of which manufacturing cost is inexpensive, andenables measurement of a change in the displacement or posture of anobject in every conceivable scene and place.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

To attain the above object, in accordance with a first aspect of theinvention there is provided a device for generating an electrical signalcorresponding to a change in posture comprising: a container which isformed of an electrical insulating material and is tightly fixed to anelectrode holder formed of an electrical insulating material and inwhich a fluid dielectric is sealed with a volume ratio sufficient tohave an angle of inclination with respect to a free surface of the fluiddielectric; a plurality of pairs of peripheral electrodes (4) disposedat positions in such a way that each of said plurality of pairs ofperipheral electrodes are symmetrical arranged perpendicular to theelectrode holder in respect of a central point of a cross section of thecontainer so as to be apart from an inner peripheral surface of thecontainer with a predetermined interval therefrom; and a pair of counterelectrodes (3), being electrically insulated from each other, which areopposed each other along an imaginary line perpendicular from a centralpoint of the cross section of the container, each of said pair ofcounter electrodes being perpendicular to an upper surface of theelectrode holder, serving as a bottom of the container, or perpendicularto a lower surface of a ceiling part of the container, characterized inthat an external voltage is applied to the pair of counter electrodes sothat an electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture can begenerated. According to this aspect of the invention, it is possible todetect with an extremely compact and simple structure the inclination inone of an X-axis direction or a Y-axis direction of the container,simultaneously detect the inclination in both directions thereof, andconcurrently detect a change in the inclination (posture) in a Z-axisdirection by combining the devices.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is providedthe device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein posture according to the first aspect, wherein each of the counterelectrodes has a flat surface. According to this aspect of theinvention, since the distance between the counter electrodes and theperipheral electrodes can be made close to each other, it is possible toovercome the drawback that accurate detection of the electrostaticcapacity becomes impossible when the free surface of the fluiddielectric is located in between the counter electrode and theperipheral electrode.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is providedthe device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein posture according to the first or second aspect, wherein each of theperipheral electrodes extends from the ceiling and the bottom,respectively, of the container, and has a nonconductive portion or issplit in an axial direction thereof.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is providedthe device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein posture according to the third aspect, wherein power supplyelectrodes integrally extend from the bottom to the ceiling of thecontainer instead of the counter electrodes.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided adevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposture comprising: a spherical container which is formed of anelectrical insulating material and in which a plurality of electrodes,to which a voltage is applied and each has an arcuate surface, are fixedto an inner peripheral surface thereof vertically symmetrically, a fluiddielectric being sealed therein with a volume ratio sufficient to havean angle of inclination with respect to a free surface of the fluiddielectric; and a pair of counter electrodes which are electricallyinsulated from each other and are respectively disposed at a lower endportion and an upper end portion which share a segment passing through acentral point of the spherical container, a voltage being applied to thepair of counter electrodes. According to this aspect of the invention,it is possible to detect even a change in the angle of inclination inunits of seconds, and the device in accordance with the invention issuitable in a case where detection of fine amounts of change in postureis required.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided adevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposture comprising: a polygonal container which is formed of anelectrical insulating material and in which a plurality of electrodeseach having a flat surface are fixed to an inner peripheral surfacethereof vertically symmetrically, a fluid dielectric being sealedtherein with a volume ratio sufficient to have an angle of inclinationwith respect to a free surface of the fluid dielectric; and a pair ofcounter electrodes which are electrically insulated from each other andare respectively disposed at mutually opposing portions of thecontainer, a voltage being applied to the pair of counter electrodes.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention, there is providedthe device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein posture according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein ahigh frequency voltage is applied to an electrical-signal generatingmeans for outputting a voltage corresponding to a difference in andeveloping electrostatic capacity ascribable to a difference in an areaof contact with the fluid dielectric between at least one pair ofelectrodes to which the voltage is applied in the container in which thefluid dielectric with a volume less than a content volume of thecontainer is accommodated, frequency modulation corresponding to theinclination of the container is provided for a carrier wave generated bya high frequency oscillator, and this signal is subjected to FMdemodulation.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provideda device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein position comprising: a hollow conductor; a conductor coated with anelectrical insulating material and fitted in the hollow conductor, theconductor being linearly displaceable; means for applying a voltageacross the hollow conductor and the conductor coated with the electricalinsulating material; and means for obtaining as an electrical signal achange in electrostatic capacity corresponding to an amount of insertionor pulling-out displacement between the hollow conductor and theconductor coated with the electrical insulating material. According tothis aspect of the invention, the amount of linear displacement of themeasuring object can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, thedevice can be suitably used in cases where it is necessary to ascertainthe manufacturing process of precision machinery, the distance betweenrespective joints of a robot, and the amount of displacement of membersin a motor vehicle, aircraft, and the like.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided adevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition comprising: a flexible hollow conductor; a flexible conductorcoated with an electrical insulating material and fitted in the hollowconductor, the flexible conductor being linearly displaceable in anaxial direction; means for applying a voltage across the flexible hollowconductor and the flexible conductor coated with the electricalinsulating material; and means for obtaining as an electrical signal achange in electrostatic capacity corresponding to an amount of insertionor pulling-out displacement between the flexible hollow conductor andthe flexible conductor coated with the electrical insulating material.According to this aspect of the invention, since it is possible tomeasure the amount of displacement of a curved locus, the device can besuitably used in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, andmachinery.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided adevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition or posture wherein the pair of the devices for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture according to anyone of the first to third aspects are respectively attached to both endsor spaced-apart midway portions of a device for generating an electricalsignal corresponding to a change in position which comprises a hollowconductor, a conductor coated with an electrical insulating material andfitted in the hollow conductor, the conductor being linearlydisplaceable, means for applying a voltage across the hollow conductorand the conductor coated with the electrical insulating material, andmeans for obtaining as an electrical signal a change in electrostaticcapacity corresponding to an amount of insertion or pulling-outdisplacement between the hollow conductor and the conductor coated withthe electrical insulating material. According to this aspect of theinvention, it is possible to detect concurrently the amount of lineardisplacement between members and changes in the angle of inclination(posture) in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions of a member.

In accordance with a 10th aspect of the invention, there is provided adevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition or posture wherein the pair of the devices for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture according to anyone of the first to third aspects are respectively attached to both endsor spaced-apart midway portions of a device for generating an electricalsignal corresponding to a change in position which comprises a flexiblehollow conductor, a flexible conductor coated with an electricalinsulating material and fitted in the hollow conductor, the flexibleconductor being linearly displaceable in an axial direction, means forapplying a voltage across the flexible hollow conductor and the flexibleconductor coated with the electrical insulating material, and means forobtaining as an electrical signal a change in electrostatic capacitycorresponding to an amount of insertion or pulling-out displacementbetween the flexible hollow conductor and the flexible conductor coatedwith the electrical insulating material. According to this aspect of theinvention, it is possible to concurrently detect, for example, theamount of displacement of various parts of a human body and a change inthe posture thereof.

In accordance with an 11th aspect of the invention, there is provided adevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition wherein at least one pair of members consisting of conductorsare attached to a radially expandable and contractible annular orpolygonal member in such a manner as to oppose each other in a radialdirection, and a voltage is applied across the at least one pair ofmembers consisting of the conductors, so as to generate an electricalsignal based on a change in electrostatic capacity corresponding anamount of displacement inmutually moving away and approaching of the atleast one pair of members consisting of the conductors due to theexpansion or contraction of the radially expandable and contractibleannular or polygonal member. According to this aspect of the invention,it is possible to quantitatively detect the expansion or contraction ofmuscles at various parts of a human body including the wrist, the thigh,the calf, and the like. In addition, since the condition of breathingcan be detected by wearing the devices on the breast, it is possible toautomatically ascertain the symptom of apnea and reliably take apreventive measure by such as issuing an alarm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the device for generatingan electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the device for generatingan electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the device for generatingan electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the device for generatingan electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a form in whichthe device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein posture in accordance with a still further embodiment of theinvention is mounted on a substrate;

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a form in whichthe device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein posture shown in FIG. 5 is mounted on the substrate;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of peripheralelectrodes;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the positional relationshipbetween a container on the one hand, and counter electrodes andperipheral electrodes on the other hand, as well as coordinate axes intilting directions of the container, in the devices for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a form in whichthe device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein posture shown in FIG. 10 is mounted on the substrate;

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating an integrating circuit usedfor obtaining an electrical signal by the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating in a simplified form thecircuit shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram illustrating a differential integratingcircuit used for obtaining an electrical signal by the device forgenerating an electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram illustrating in a simplified form thecircuit shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a detecting element of adevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible detecting elementof the device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to achange in position in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view illustrating a state in which thedevices for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposture in accordance with the invention are applied to various parts ofthe human body;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the devicesfor generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change in posturein accordance with the invention are attached to both ends of thedetecting element of the device for generating an electrical signalcorresponding to a change in position shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view illustrating a state in which anassembly, in which the devices for generating an electrical signalcorresponding to a change in posture in accordance with the inventionare attached to both ends of the detecting element of the device forgenerating an electrical signal corresponding to a change in positionshown in FIG. 17, is applied to the body;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a further embodiment of thedevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition in accordance with the invention, which detects a change in theelectrostatic capacity corresponding to a change in the distance betweenmutually opposing electrodes;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configurationWeb server and a computer in which three-dimensional posture informationcorresponding to the position or posture of an object measured by thedevice of the invention is used as a constituent element; and

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment in which theaction of a human body is recorded by using a Web PC shown in FIG. 22.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereafter, a description will be given to preferred embodiments of theinvention with reference to the drawings.

The device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein position or posture makes use of the phenomenon such that anelectrostatic capacity changes between electrodes in correspondence withthe displacement of a measuring object or a change in its posture, bywhich this change can be obtained in the form of an electrical signalsuch as a voltage. Further, by applying a high frequency voltage or a DCvoltage to the electrodes, where in the former case a change in theelectrostatic capacity in a resonant circuit of an oscillator is mainlydetected as a change in the voltage, while in the latter case, a changein the electrostatic capacity based on the difference in the contactareas between each electrode and the fluid dielectric, which occurs dueto the inclination of the measuring object, is detected as a change inthe voltage. Accordingly, in the case where the high frequency voltageis applied across the electrodes, frequency modulation can be performedto a carrier wave, which is generated by the oscillator, incorrespondence with the angle of inclination of the measuring object. Ifthe signal obtained in this way is subjected to FM demodulation, it ispossible to obtain a signal representing the angle of inclination. Inthe case where the signal is obtained by providing FM demodulation, itcan be said that the sensor device that is residual to the electricalnoises can be provided.

On the other hand, in the case where a DC voltage is applied across theelectrodes, the change in the angle of inclination can be obtained as anelectrical signal by a differential amplifier.

Embodiments First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a vertical cross section of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1denotes an electrode holder, which is formed of an electrical insulatingmaterial such as a resin, acrylic, glass, or the like. The electrodeholder 1 has a flat portion formed on its upper surface, and bored inthe electrode holder 1 are holes 5 for fitting a bush 5-1 for tightlyfitting a counter electrode 3 therein and for fitting bushes 5-1 fortightly fitting peripheral electrodes 4 therein. The bushes 5-1 aretightly fitted in these bush fitting holes 5, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.The bushes 5-1 are formed of an electrical insulating material which isflexible, such as silicone rubber.

The counter electrodes 3 and the peripheral electrodes 4 are formed ofan electrically conductive material which is chemically stable (whoseionization tendency is low), e.g., 18K gold (Au). The counter electrodes3 and the peripheral electrodes 4 are 0.6 mm φ rods. As shown in FIG. 1,the pair of counter electrodes 3 are tightly fitted in counter-electrodefitting holes 6 bored in the bushes 5-1 with being opposed each otheralong an imaginary line perpendicular from a central point in a crosssection of a container 2 so that one of the counter electrodes isextending perpendicular from a ceiling side portion of the container andthe other one of the counter electrodes is extending perpendicular fromthe upper surface of the electrode holder 1. Respective one ends of thecounter electrodes 3 project a predetermined length in such a manner asto face the inner space of the container 2. Further, a high frequencyvoltage or a DC voltage is applied across the respective counterelectrodes 3 and the peripheral electrodes 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,the peripheral electrodes 4 are disposed at circumferentially equalintervals with a predetermined interval from an inner wall surface ofthe container 2, i.e., with an interval of 0.3 mm in this embodiment.One end of each peripheral electrode 4, or an upper end thereof asviewed in FIG. 1, is fitted in the ceiling of the container 2, and upperend lower ends thereof are respectively fixed in the container 2 and theelectrode holder 1. The counter electrodes 3 and the peripheralelectrodes 4 in this embodiment have a diameter of 0.6 mm, theirsurfaces are ground and flat, and surface areas of the four peripheralelectrodes 4 are made uniform.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of counter electrodes 3 are respectivelyfitted tightly in counter-electrode fitting holes 6 bored in the centersof the flat surfaces of the bushes 5-1 which are fitted in the brushfitting holes 5 bored in the centers of flat surfaces of both theceiling of the container 2 and an upper stage portion of the electrodeholder 1 which is fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the container2. In the state shown in FIG. 1, the lower counter electrode 3 isimmersed in a fluid dielectric B, and when the top and the bottom of thecontainer 2 are inverted, the counter electrode 3 disposed in theceiling portion of the container 2 is immersed in the fluid dielectricB. Accordingly, either one of the upper counter electrode 3 and thelower counter electrode 3 is designed to have an electrostatic capacitywith respect to the peripheral electrodes 4 through the fluid dielectricB. The electrostatic capacity changes in correspondence with a change inthe angle of inclination in either an X-axis direction or a Y-axisdirection or a composite direction of the container 2, and thiselectrostatic capacity can be detected as an electrical signal.

Also, in a case where an embodiment is adopted in which the counterelectrodes 3 are wholly embedded in the ceiling of the container 2 andin the bottom thereof served by the upper surface of the electrodeholder 1, the device can be functioning as the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the peripheral electrodes 4 are disposed inthe ceiling portion of the container 2 and the electrode holder 1 atpositions of the intersections which are formed on an imaginaryconcentric circle of the container 2 so as to have a predeterminedinterval from the inner wall surface thereof, where said intersectionsare determined in such a way that an imaginary line segment passingthrough the central point of the flat surface of the upper stage portionof the electrode holder 1 fitting to the inner peripheral surface of thecontainer 2, and another imaginary line segment perpendicular to theaforementioned line segment with passing through the same central pointare intersected on said imaginary concentric circle. Thus, theperipheral electrodes 4 are formed as a pair of peripheral electrodes 4in the X-axis direction and a pair of peripheral electrodes 4 in theY-axis direction.

In the invention, as for the peripheral electrodes 4, it is possible toadopt an embodiment in which they respectively extend from the bottomand the ceiling of the container 2 and have nonconductive portions orare split in their axial directions, as shown in FIG. 8. In that case,instead of the counter electrodes 3, it is also possible to use powersupply electrodes which integrally extend from the ceiling to the bottomof the container 2.

As the counter electrodes 3 and the peripheral electrodes 4, a materialhaving a low ionization tendency, e.g., 18K gold (Au), is suitable.Meanwhile, a material exhibiting low impedance between electrodes ispreferable. If the impedance between electrodes is high, various kindsof noise is picked up and cause a measurement error. If the impedance isconversely excessively low, it results not only in an increase in powerconsumption but in the loss of function due the plating of theelectrodes. Therefore, the material of the counter electrodes 3 and theperipheral electrodes 4 is determined by taking these factors intoconsideration.

The container 2 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and its ceiling portionis closed. As for its lower end opening, its inner peripheral surface istightly fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the upper stage portionof the electrode holder 1, as shown in FIG. 1. The container 2 is formedof an electrical insulating material, and is formed of an acrylic-,polyester-, or polyamide-based synthetic resin or the like in thisembodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid dielectric B is filled in theinner space of the container 2 with a volume ratio sufficient to form aninclined surface between its free surface and an inner surface of thecontainer 2. In this embodiment, the fluid dielectric B having a volumeof 50% of the internal volume of the container 2 is filled. Referencecharacter A denotes a gas portion, or air in this embodiment. Fluidswhich are not miscible, such as water and oil, may be filled in theportions A and B of the container 2.

In the invention, as the fluid dielectric B, it is possible to usesolutions including, as a solvent, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycolmonomethyl ether, γ-butyrolactone, N-methylformamide, or the like, and,as a solute, adipic acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, phthalic acid,alicylic acid, or, as a basic solute, ammonia, aqueous ammonia,triethylamine, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, or the like.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention. Since the same reference numerals as those shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 denote the same constituent elements as those of the firstembodiment, a description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment,the counter electrodes 3 are electrically disposed as respectivelyindependent electrodes, but are mechanically formed as an identicalelectrode, which is tightly fitted in the counter-electrode fitting hole6 of the bush 5-1 in the electrode holder 1, an upper end portionthereof being fitted in a recessed portion at the ceiling of thecontainer 2. The lower counter electrode 3 is made hollow, and anelectrical insulator EI, through which an electrical conductor ispassed, is fitted in this hollow portion. Further, the electricalconductor inside the electrical insulator EI is electrically coupledwith the upper counter electrode 3, and is also electrically coupledwith a lower counter-electrode connecting terminal 23. Meanwhile, aprojecting portion of the lower counter electrode 3 projecting from alower end face of the electrode holder 1 functions as thecounter-electrode connecting terminal 23.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 4 shows still another embodiment of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention. Since the same reference numerals as those shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 denote the same constituent elements as those of the firstembodiment, a description thereof will be omitted. As for the counterelectrodes 3 in this embodiment, a form is adopted in which a pair ofsurface electrodes 13 are respectively formed at their end portionsfacing the interior of the container 2. Each surface electrode 13 has acircular flat surface portion, and its outside diameter shouldpreferably be as practically large as possible within a range that doesnot come into contact with the peripheral electrodes 4. This arrangementmakes it possible to overcome the problem that at the time the change inthe electrostatic capacity due to the change in the angle of inclinationof the container 2 is measured as a parameter, accurate measurement ofthe electrostatic capacity becomes impossible when the free surface ofthe fluid dielectric B is located in between the counter electrode 3 andthe peripheral electrode 4. It goes without saying that in a case wherethe distance between the pair of peripheral electrodes 4 in the X-axisdirection or the Y-axis direction is close, the device shown in FIG. 1is capable of detecting a change in the angle of inclination (posture)of the container 2 with sufficiently high accuracy.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention. Since the same reference numerals as those shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 denote the same constituent elements as those of the firstembodiment, a description thereof will be omitted. As for the counterelectrodes 3 in this embodiment, the surface electrodes 13 arerespectively formed at their end portions facing the interior of thecontainer 2 in the same way as in the third embodiment. The uppersurface electrode 13 and the lower surface electrode 13 are electricallydisposed as mutually independent electrodes, but are mechanically formedas one and the same member by means of the electrical insulator EIhaving an electrical conductor inserted therein, the electricalinsulator EI being connected to the lower planer electrode 13. Thecounter-electrode connecting terminal 23 is fitted in thecounter-electrode fitting hole 6 of the bush 5-1 in the electrode holder1. The electrical insulator EI is fitted in its hollow portion, and thesurface electrode 13 abutting against the ceiling of the container 2 isfixed to an upper end of this electrical insulator EI. The electricalconductor is inserted in the electrical insulator EI. A voltage isapplied to the upper surface electrode 13 through this electricalconductor independently of the lower surface electrode 13. Thecounter-electrode connecting terminal 23 is fixed to a lower end portionof the electrical insulator EI, and is connected to the electricalconductor inside the electrical insulator EI. In this embodiment, themechanically integrated pair of surface electrodes 13 are fixed to theelectrode holder 1 as the hollow counter-electrode connecting terminal23 below the lower surface electrode 13 is inserted and fixed in thecounter-electrode fitting hole 6. After making positional adjustment,the container 2 is fitted over and fixed to the upper stage portion ofthe electrode holder 1. Subsequently, the fluid dielectric B is sealedin by about 50% of the volume of the inner space of the container 2.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 6 shows a still further embodiment of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention. Since the same reference numerals as those shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 denote the same constituent elements as those of the firstembodiment, a description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment,the device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein posture is structured to be accommodated in a housing 22 so as to bemounted on a substrate. As shown in FIG. 6, the device is accommodatedin the housing 22 so as to protect the container 2, and is fixed to asubstrate mounting base 11 having substrate connecting terminals 123attached to a lower end face thereof, so as to facilitate the mountingon the substrate. The substrate connecting terminals 123 areelectrically connected to a total of six terminals including the uppersurface electrode 13, the lower surface electrode 13, and the peripheralelectrodes 4 (four in this embodiment).

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention. Since the same reference numerals as those shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 denote the same constituent elements as those of the firstembodiment, a description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment,the structure adopted is such that the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture shown in FIG. 5is accommodated in a housing 32 so as to be mounted on a substrate. Asshown in FIG. 7, the device is accommodated in the housing 32 so as toprotect the container 2, and is fixed to a substrate mounting base 11having substrate connecting terminals 123 attached to a lower end facethereof, so as to facilitate the mounting on the substrate. Thesubstrate connecting terminals 123 are electrically connected to a totalof six terminals including the upper surface electrode 13, the lowersurface electrode 13, and the peripheral electrodes 4 (four in thisembodiment).

In the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, theperipheral electrodes 4 are formed in a rod-shape with a diameter of 0.6mm, but substantially the same function can be achieved even in a caseof adopting slender hair-like electrodes. In such a case, the peripheralelectrodes 4 are arranged such that their upper and lower ends are fixedto the bottom and the ceiling of the container 2, and small tension isimparted thereto so as to maintain parallelism with the axis of thecontainer 2. By providing such an arrangement, the device for generatingan electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture can be madeextremely compact.

In addition, although in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, thesurface electrodes 13 are those having circular flat surfaces, it isalso possible to use as the surface electrodes 13 those havingtriangular or other polygonal flat surfaces or those having ellipticalflat surfaces.

FIG. 9 shows the positional relationship between the container 2 on theone hand, and the counter electrodes 3 and the peripheral electrodes 4on the other hand, as well as the relationship of coordinate axes, whenthe inclinations of three axes including the X-axis, the Y-axis, and theZ-axis are measured by using the devices for generating an electricalsignal corresponding to a change in posture in accordance with theinvention shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. An electrostatic capacity appears in acase where the fluid dielectric B having a volume of 50% of the contentvolume of the inner space of the container 2 is sealed in, and a voltageis applied across the lower counter electrode 3 and the peripheralelectrodes 4. When the top and the bottom of the container 2 areinverted, the electrostatic capacity appears between the upper counterelectrode 3 and the peripheral electrodes 4. If the container 2 rotatesabout the axes of the upper and lower counter electrodes 3 to cause theacceleration to act, and values of an electrostatic capacity C areuniform between the two pairs (or four) electrodes, the axis passingthrough the upper and lower counter electrodes 3 in the container 2 isvertical. If the container 2 tilts, the electrostatic capacity C changesbetween the two pairs (or four) electrodes, so that the angle ofinclination in either one or a combination of the X-axis and the Y-axiscan be measured from the amount of that change.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 33 denotes a counterprojecting electrode. As shown in FIG. 10, the counter projectingelectrodes 33 are respectively disposed at an upper portion and a lowerportion of a spherical container 52, and respective one ends thereofproject by a predetermined length in such a manner as to face the innerspace of the spherical container 52. The counter projecting electrodes33 may be planar. The spherical container 52 is a hollow sphere formedof a nonconductive material such as a resin. As shown in FIG. 10, planarelectrodes 34 formed of a conductive material consisting of such as gold(Au) foils are respectively attached to the inner peripheral surface ofthe spherical container 52 in sections of respective upper and lowersemispherical inner surfaces divided at a great circle of the sphereinto at least four parts. Eight planar electrodes 34 are disposed forthe entire inner peripheral surface of the spherical container 52. In acase where the inclination of any one of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axisis detected, it is sufficient to dispose four (two pairs of) electrodesat the entire inner peripheral surface of the spherical container 52. Asshown in FIG. 10, the arrangement provided is such that wirings w areconnected to the respective planar electrodes to allow a voltage to beapplied to the electrodes. As in this embodiment, if eight electrodesare disposed for the entire inner peripheral surface of the sphericalcontainer 52, it is possible to detect the inclinations of the sphericalcontainer 52 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis at one time.

In this embodiment, the fluid dielectric B having a volume of 50% of thecontent volume is sealed inside the spherical container 52 (up to theposition of the great circle of the sphere). When the top and the bottomof the spherical container 52 are inverted, the counter electrode 33disposed at the upper portion of the spherical container 52 is immersedin the fluid dielectric B. Accordingly, either one of the upper counterelectrode 33 and the lower counter electrode 33 comes to have anelectrostatic capacity with respect to the planar electrodes 34 in thehemispheres of the spherical container 52 through the fluid dielectricB. The electrostatic capacity changes in correspondence with a change inthe angle of inclination of the spherical container 52.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention. Since the same reference numerals as those shown inFIG. 9 denote the same constituent elements as those of the seventhembodiment, a description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment,the structure adopted is such that the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture shown in FIG. 9is accommodated in a housing 42 so as to be mounted on a substrate. Asshown in FIG. 11, the device is accommodated in the housing 42 so as toprotect the spherical container 52, and the housing 42 accommodating andfixing the device is fixed to the substrate mounting base 11 havingsubstrate connecting terminals 223 attached to a lower end face thereof,so as to facilitate the mounting on the substrate. The substrateconnecting terminals 223 are electrically connected to a total of 10terminals including one upper counter electrode 33, one lower counterelectrode 33, and 8 electrodes on the inner peripheral surface of thespherical container 52.

In the invention, it goes without saying that a polygonal container maybe used instead of the spherical container 52 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.In that case, the electrodes disposed on the inner wall surface of thecontainer are not arcuate but flat surface electrodes.

Next, a description will be given to the operation of the device forgenerating an electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture inaccordance with the invention. In the devices shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, ifthe container 2 or the spherical container 52 tilts, the area of contactwith respect to the fluid dielectric B varies between the peripheralelectrodes 4 or between the pair of planar electrodes 34. Theelectrostatic capacity that appears changes in correspondence with achange in this area of contact. The electrostatic capacity C is given byC=ξ _(o) ·ξ·S/t=8.855×10⁻¹² ×ξ·S/t   (1)

where C: electrostatic capacity

-   -   S: electrode area    -   t: electrode interval    -   ξ_(o) dielectric constant of vacuum (8.855×10⁻¹²)    -   ξ: specific dielectric constant of dielectric

Accordingly, the electrostatic capacity can be detected by the electrodearea S and the electrode interval t. Since the electrode interval t isfixed in the embodiments of the invention described heretofore, thedifference in the electrode area S, i.e., the area of contact with thefluid dielectric B, between the pair of peripheral electrodes 4 or thepair of planar electrodes 34, which occurs due to the tilting of thecontainer 2 or the spherical container 52, as well as its change, aredetected as the change in the electrostatic capacity C.

When an electrical signal is obtained by the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture in accordancewith the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, an integrating circuit suchas the one shown in FIG. 12, for example, is used. As an electriccurrent flowing across a capacitor is integrated each time theelectrostatic capacity in the device changes, it is possible to obtain avoltage signal corresponding to the tilting of the device. A voltageV_(out) outputted as the voltage signal is given byV_(out)=CV_(ref)where V_(ref): threshold voltage

The inclination in one axis (e.g., X-axis) direction can be measured bythe circuit shown in FIG. 12. To effect two-axis measurement in theX-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, two integrating circuits arerequired. To illustrate the integrating circuit shown in FIG. 12 in amore simplified form, the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 13 is obtained.

Although the integrating circuit shown in FIG. 12 is a kind ofdifferential amplifier circuit, the degree of amplification isexcessively large, so that it is impossible to expect stable operation.Accordingly, a differential amplifier circuit shown in FIG. 14 is used.The circuit shown in FIG. 14 functions such that the potential at an npoint and the potential at a p point in the circuit become equal, sothat the following formula holds:V ₁ −R ₁ I ₁ =R ₂ I ₂   (2)

Since the current does not flow into an operational amplifier whoseinput impedance is high, currents I₁ and I₂ are respectively given byI ₁=(V ₁ −V _(o))/(R ₁ +R ₂)   (3)I ₂ =V ₂/(R ₁ +R ₂)   (4)

If the formulae are simplified by substitution, the output voltage V_(o)is given by the following formula:V _(o)=(R ₁ /R ₂)·(V ₂ −V ₁)   (5)

Consequently, it is possible to amplify only the potential difference atthe input terminal. If the differential amplifier circuit shown in FIG.14 is further simplified, a circuit diagram shown in FIG. 15 isobtained.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 16 shows a detecting element of a device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in position in accordancewith the invention. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 50 denotes a detectingelement for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition; 53 denotes an insulator-coated conductor (core); 54 denotes ahollow conductor in which the insulator-coated conductor (core) 53 isfitted in such a way as to be capable of being inserted and pulled out.The insulator-coated conductor (core) 53 and the hollow conductor 54 arerespectively provided with electrodes, and a voltage is applied acrossthe insulator-coated conductor (core) 53 and the hollow conductor 54. Anelectrostatic capacity between the insulator-coated conductor (core) 53and the hollow conductor 54 changes in correspondence with their amountof insertion or pulling-out displacement.

Since the insulator-coated conductor (core) 53 and the hollow conductor54 are not in electrical contact with each other, noise is extremelysmall at the timing of the insertion and pulling-out displacementbetween them being measured by using the change in electrostaticcapacity as a parameter. If the device for generating an electricalsignal corresponding to a change in position in accordance with thisembodiment of the invention is used, it is possible to measure thedistance between two points on a noncontact basis. Therefore, the devicecan be used in various kinds of the industrial fields such as in themanufacturing process of precision machinery, the distance betweenrespective joints of a robot, the operating state of parts in a motorvehicle or the like, the operating state of a flapper and other membersin aircraft, and so forth.

10th Embodiment

FIG. 17 shows a detecting element of the device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in position in accordancewith the invention. In FIG. 17, reference numeral 150 denotes a flexibledetecting element for generating an electrical signal corresponding to achange in position; 153 denotes a flexible insulator-coated conductor(core); 154 denotes a flexible hollow conductor in which the flexibleinsulator-coated conductor (core) 153 is fitted in such a way as to becapable of being inserted and pulled out. The flexible insulator-coatedconductor (core) 153 and the flexible hollow conductor 154 arerespectively provided with electrodes, and a voltage is applied acrossthe flexible insulator-coated conductor (core) 153 and the flexiblehollow conductor 154. An electrostatic capacity between the flexibleinsulator-coated conductor (core) 153 and the flexible hollow conductor154 changes in correspondence with their amount of insertion orpulling-out displacement.

FIG. 18 shows a state in which the devices for generating an electricalsignal corresponding to a change in posture in accordance with theinvention shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 are applied to various parts of thebody. It is thereby possible to as certain changes in inclination in theX-, Y-, and Z-axis directions of the various parts of the body.

FIG. 19 shows a state in which the devices for generating an electricalsignal corresponding to a change in posture in accordance with theinvention shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 are attached to both ends of the devicefor generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition shown in FIG. 16. It is thereby possible to ascertain theamounts of linear displacement of various parts of a machine tool or arobot and how much the various parts have tilted in the X-, Y-, andZ-axis directions.

FIG. 20 shows a state in which the devices for generating an electricalsignal corresponding to a change in posture in accordance with theinvention shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 are applied to various parts of thebody, and a pair of these devices are respectively connected to bothends of devices 150A and 150B for generating an electrical signalcorresponding to a change in position, which are similar to the oneshown in FIG. 17. The first-mentioned pair of devices are coupled toeach other by means of the device 150A on the back side and by means ofthe device 150B on the breast side. In this state, in a case where thearm is moved toward the breast side, for instance, the device 150Aextends and the device 150B shrinks. On the other hand, in a case wherethe arm in this state is moved toward the back side, the device 150Bextends and the device 150A shrinks. Since the device 150A and thedevice 150B have the structure shown in FIG. 17, the amounts ofextension or shrinkage of the device 150A and the device 150B can beobtained as the amounts of insertion or pulling-out displacement, i.e.,changes in the electrostatic capacity, of the flexible insulator-coatedconductor (core) 153 and the flexible hollow conductor 154.

11th Embodiment

FIG. 21 shows the device for generating an electrical signalcorresponding to a change in position in accordance with the invention,which quantitatively detects a change in the expansion or contraction ofmuscles or the like by detecting a change in the electrostatic capacitybased on a change in the distance between mutually opposing electrodes.In FIG. 21, reference numeral 60 denotes a device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to an amount of change in annularexpansion or shrinkage; 61 and 62 respectively denote an outer membraneand an inner membrane, both of which are flexible and extensible.Reference numeral 63 denotes a capacitor, and a plurality of electrodepairs, which are opposed to each other and to which a voltage isapplied, are disposed as the capacitors 63 in an annular space formedbetween the outer membrane 61 and the inner membrane 62. If this deviceis fitted around a wrist, for example, in terms of the size of the wristwhen the fingers are stretched, the distance between the electrode pairs(capacitors) in the device changes due to the contraction of themuscles, and the electrostatic capacity changes. A change in thiselectrostatic capacity is obtained as an electrical signal.

If this device is made as a type in which it is fitted around the breastor worn as a wet suit, it is possible to quantitatively measure therespiratory action or the action of the entire body.

12th Embodiment

FIG. 22 shows an example of a configuration in which information fromthe device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a changein position or posture in accordance with the invention is recorded in amemory of a Web server or a computer. As shown in FIG. 22, by designinga control unit (hereafter referred to as a Web PC) for controlling thedevice of the invention so as to be accommodated in a pocket, the Web PCcan be carried easily, and it becomes possible to measure the posture(inclination) and the acceleration (displacement) of the measuringobject in various places and scenes. In addition, if the configurationof the computer shown in FIG. 22 is used as a portable computer shown inFIG. 23, the device can be fitted to various parts of the human body,thereby making it possible to measure the position or posture. Further,if a GPS (Global Positioning System) is fitted to the user, it ispossible to record where the user is located and what kind of action theuser is taking, and the data can be delivered through the Internet. Thismeans that it is easily possible to carry around a motion picture devicewhich has conventionally been impossible to be fitted to the human bodyand carried around, and that direction vectors of various parts of thehuman body can be obtained as information.

In addition, since the Web PC has its original IP address, as theobject-side Web PC is connected to the Internet, it becomes possible todeliver the action and posture of various parts of the body to user PCsthroughout the world. Further, since a wireless LAN is used, if thedevices are used in a local network environment, it becomes possible toeasily obtain action data of several persons.

Furthermore, the object-side Web PC shown in FIG. 23 is characterized inthat it is configured by one chip. In a case where communication ispossible by effecting communication with a user PC on a wired orwireless basis, action data is recorded in the internal memory of theobject-side Web PC in accordance with a program written in advance in aROM. On a later day, by extracting the data from this memory, a completeaction record of the user's one day can be obtained. For example, byapplying the device to a sport player, the sport player's action duringa game can be numerically recorded. Further, the device can be used notonly on the human body but also in various fields including, forexample, an apparatus for positioning a port on an implant for medicalapplication, long-term measurement of the angle of inclination of abuilding, posture control of such as an automobile, aircraft, or a ship,and so forth.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic diagram of a case in which the Web PC shown inFIG. 22 is applied to the human body. As shown in FIG. 23, the devicesare fitted to various parts of the body. In the embodiment shown in FIG.23, a GPS is also applied to the body. Consequently, it is possible toknow on the Internet the place (acquired through the GPS) where the useris located and what kind of action the user is taking. As shown in FIG.22, the configuration provided is such that when the Internet is notavailable, the recording of data in the memory of the Web PC and thedelivery of data on a wired basis are made possible. In addition, theGPS is required in a case where the measuring object wearing the devicesmoves; however, in a case where the measuring object does not move as inthe case of a building, the GPS is not required.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, according the invention, it is possible tosimultaneously detect changes in inclination (posture) in the X-axisdirection, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction of themeasuring object with an extremely compact and simple structure. Thedevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition or posture in accordance with the invention can be suitablyused in applications to such as detection of diastrophism, a detectingelement for posture control of a ship, aircraft, a motor vehicle, or thelike, and detection of the action and posture of various parts of ahuman body. Further, the device can be suitably employed in applicationsto levels used in the fields of manipulators at plants, architecture,and civil engineering, as well as to a detecting element for controllingrocking in a mega-float, medical equipment requiring the measurement ofa horizontal direction, and a damping device for controlling vibrationsin a horizontal direction. Furthermore, the device can be suitably usedin applications to a device for controlling a camera-shake preventingfunction in a camera or the like, posture control of a bipedal robot, aninput device for measuring a direction for a computer, and inclinationmeasuring devices for a steel tower, an electric pole, a bridge girder,or the like.

According to the second aspect of the invention, since the distancebetween the counter electrodes and the peripheral electrodes can be madeclose to each other, it is possible to overcome the problem thataccurate detection of the electrostatic capacity becomes impossible whenthe free surface of the fluid dielectric is located in between thecounter electrode and the peripheral electrode.

According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to detecteven a change in the angle of inclination in units of seconds, anddetect fine amounts of change in posture.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the amount of lineardisplacement of the measuring object can be detected with high accuracy.Therefore, the device can be suitably used in cases where themanufacturing process of precision machinery, the distance betweenrespective joints of a robot, and the amount of displacement of membersin a motor vehicle, aircraft, and the like are to be ascertained.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since it is possible tomeasure the amount of displacement of a curved locus, the device can besuitably used in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, andmachinery.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to detectconcurrently the amount of linear displacement between members andchanges in the angle of inclination (posture) in the X-, Y-, and Z-axisdirections of a member.

According to the seventh to 10th aspects of the invention, it ispossible to concurrently detect the amount of displacement of variousparts of a human body and a change in the posture thereof.

According to the 11th or 12th aspects of the invention, since thecondition of breathing can be detected by wearing the devices on thebreast, it is possible to automatically ascertain the symptom of apneaand reliably take a preventive measure by such as issuing an alarm.

1. A device for generating an electrical signal corresponding to achange in posture comprising: a container (2) which is formed of anelectrical insulating material and is tightly fixed to an electrodeholder (1) formed of an electrical insulating material and in which afluid dielectric (B) is sealed with a volume ratio sufficient to have anangle of inclination with respect to a free surface of the fluiddielectric; a plurality of pairs of peripheral electrodes (4) disposedat positions in such a way that each of said plurality of pairs ofperipheral electrodes are symmetrical arranged perpendicular to theelectrode holder in respect of a central point of a cross section of thecontainer so as to be apart from an inner peripheral surface of thecontainer with a predetermined interval therefrom; and a pair of counterelectrodes (3), being electrically insulated from each other, which areopposed each other along an imaginary line perpendicular from a centralpoint of the cross section of the container, each of said pair ofcounter electrodes being perpendicular to an upper surface of theelectrode holder, serving as a bottom of the container, or perpendicularto a lower surface of a ceiling part of the container, characterized inthat an external voltage is applied to the pair of counter electrodes sothat an electrical signal corresponding to a change in posture can begenerated.
 2. The device for generating an electrical signalcorresponding to a change in posture according to claim 1, wherein eachof the counter electrodes (3) has a flat surface.
 3. The device forgenerating an electrical signal corresponding to a change in postureaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the peripheral electrodes (4)extends from the ceiling and the bottom, respectively, of the container(2), and has a nonconductive portion or is split in an axial directionthereof.
 4. The device for generating an electrical signal correspondingto a change in posture according to claim 3, wherein power supplyelectrodes integrally extend from the bottom to the ceiling of thecontainer (2) instead of the counter electrodes (3).
 5. A device forgenerating an electrical signal corresponding to a change in posturecomprising: a spherical container which is formed of an electricalinsulating material and in which a plurality of electrodes, to which avoltage is applied and each has an arcuate surface, are fixed to aninner peripheral surface thereof vertically symmetrically, a fluiddielectric being sealed therein with a volume ratio sufficient to havean angle of inclination with respect to a free surface of the fluiddielectric; and a pair of counter electrodes which are electricallyinsulated from each other and are respectively disposed at a lower endportion and an upper end portion which share a segment passing through acentral point of the spherical container, a voltage being applied to thepair of counter electrodes.
 6. A device for generating an electricalsignal corresponding to a change in posture comprising: a polygonalcontainer which is formed of an electrical insulating material and inwhich a plurality of electrodes each having a flat surface are fixed toan inner peripheral surface thereof vertically symmetrically, a fluiddielectric being sealed therein with a volume ratio sufficient to havean angle of inclination with respect to a free surface of the fluiddielectric; and a pair of counter electrodes which are electricallyinsulated from each other and are respectively disposed at mutuallyopposing portions of the container, a voltage being applied to the pairof counter electrodes.
 7. The device for generating an electrical signalcorresponding to a change in posture according to claim 1, wherein ahigh frequency voltage is applied to an electrical-signal generatingmeans for outputting a voltage corresponding to a difference in andeveloping electrostatic capacity ascribable to a difference in an areaof contact with the fluid dielectric between at least one pair ofelectrodes to which the voltage is applied in the container in which thefluid dielectric with a volume less than a content volume of thecontainer is accommodated, frequency modulation corresponding to theinclination of the container is provided for a carrier wave generated bya high frequency oscillator, and this signal is subjected to FMdemodulation.
 8. (cancel)
 9. (cancel)
 10. A device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in position or posturewherein the pair of the devices for generating an electrical signalcorresponding to a change in posture according to claim 1 arerespectively attached to both ends or spaced-apart midway portions of adevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition which comprises a hollow conductor, a conductor coated with anelectrical insulating material and fitted in the hollow conductor, theconductor being linearly displaceable, means for applying a voltageacross the hollow conductor and the conductor coated with the electricalinsulating material, and means for obtaining as an electrical signal achange in electrostatic capacity corresponding to an amount of insertionor pulling-out displacement between the hollow conductor and theconductor coated with the electrical insulating material.
 11. A devicefor generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposition or posture wherein the pair of the devices for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture according toclaims 1 are respectively attached to both ends or spaced-apart midwayportions of a device for generating an electrical signal correspondingto a change in position which comprises a flexible hollow conductor, aflexible conductor coated with an electrical insulating material andfitted in the hollow conductor, the flexible conductor being linearlydisplaceable in an axial direction, means for applying a voltage acrossthe flexible hollow conductor and the flexible conductor coated with theelectrical insulating material, and means for obtaining as an electricalsignal a change in electrostatic capacity corresponding to an amount ofinsertion or pulling-out displacement between the flexible hollowconductor and the flexible conductor coated with the electricalinsulating material.
 12. (cancel)
 13. The device for generating anelectrical signal corresponding to a change in posture according toclaim 2, wherein each of the peripheral electrodes (4) extends from theceiling and the bottom, respectively, of the container (2), and has anonconductive portion or is split in an axial direction thereof.
 14. Thedevice for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a change inposture according to claim 13, wherein power supply electrodesintegrally extend from the bottom to the ceiling of the container (2)instead of the counter electrodes (3).